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Volunteers ready for 'essential' Falmouth Tall Ships role

Falmouth Tall Ships events have always received tremendous support from volunteers willing to be the essential link between the ships and the port during their visit.

That commitment continues this year with over 80 volunteer liaison officers (LOs) signing up for duty for the Falmouth to Royal Greenwich Tall Ships Regatta this August.

At a briefing held at the National Maritime Museum Cornwall in Falmouth, 64 volunteers learned of the plans for the port and their responsibilities.

LOs work closely with the ships and are on hand with contacts for every service and supply that could ever be requested, from ropes and rigging, oil and fuel services to banks, hairdressers and travel arrangements.

Their job is to help the crews on board get the most out of their stay in Falmouth and to familiarise themselves with Falmouth to take part in the inter-ship sports challenges, town parade and prize giving.

Ian Munday, chief liaison officer coordinating the LO system, said: “Many of the LOs who volunteered at the 2008 Tall Ships Regatta and previous events are returning for one of the most important roles, essential for the smooth running of the regatta in Falmouth.

“We will have an advance LO system set up for the arrival of the first ships from Sunday, August 24, to be on hand to assist the ships and crew with their requirements.”

Sam Groom, festival and events manager at Visit Cornwall, the tourism service of Cornwall Development Company, said: “With 43 vessels signed up, it is going to be extremely busy for the LOs. Their support, expertise and enthusiasm will be an essential part of how these visiting ships remember Falmouth, making them a very important and essential part of the team.”

The regatta organisers are still recruiting volunteers for a range of other roles for stewarding and visitor information. The work of these volunteers will ensure the smooth running of the event and help visitors get the very best experience at the regatta.

There are opportunities for helping with event monitoring and evaluation to demonstrate the success of the event.

“The opportunities that we have for volunteers will be right at the heart of the event, helping to direct the visitors when they arrive and providing information about the Tall Ships and all the activities on offer,” said Andy Brelsford, support and development manager for Volunteer Cornwall.

“We are looking for friendly enthusiastic people who would love to be part of a team for this event. Volunteers will get plenty of time to take part in the event and soak up the atmosphere.”
Details of how to sign up as a volunteer, plus all the essential information for the regatta can be found at falmouthtallships.co.uk, on Facebook ‘Tall Ships Falmouth 2014’ or on Twitter